Membrane Fitment for Beverage Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional removable membrane fitments for liquid containers are costly due to additional overcaps, have issues with frangible membrane toughness leading to excessive removal forces, and pose choking hazards with disk-shaped membrane removal, while single-service youth beverage packaging faces difficulties in ease of opening and recycling.
Innovation Solution
A membrane fitment with a retention structure that secures within the container orifice for a primary seal, featuring novel membrane and pull ring designs that facilitate easy removal and minimize material use, eliminating the need for overcaps and reducing choking hazards by altering the membrane shape during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional overcap is used to provide reseal capability, then the resealing function is improved, but the cost of the closure increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the resealing function from a separate overcap component and integrates it into the fitment body itself. The fitment is designed with a removable membrane that can be pulled away to expose the dispensing opening, and the fitment structure itself can be removed and replaced to achieve resealing, eliminating the need for an additional overcap component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the primary seal function and reseal capability into a single integrated fitment assembly. The fitment body combines the membrane closure, pull ring mechanism, and reseal structure into one unified component that performs multiple functions without requiring separate overcap parts.
2Strength
If the frangible removable membrane is made tougher, then the sealing integrity is improved, but the removal forces become excessive and the pull ring may break away prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a frangible line of weakness at specific locations on the membrane where controlled breaking is desired. The membrane material itself maintains high strength for sealing integrity, while localized frangible sections are designed with reduced strength to facilitate easy pulling and removal without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is segmented into a strong sealing portion and a frangible removal portion. The frangible line of weakness divides the membrane structure so that the main body maintains integrity for sealing, while the frangible section is designed to break away cleanly when pulled, reducing the force required for removal.
3Productivity
If the internal bore is sized at 20 mm to 38 mm for conventional dispensing, then the dispensing capability is improved, but the removed membrane presents a choking hazard when handled by children
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies asymmetry by designing the membrane removal pattern to create long narrow strips rather than circular disks. The frangible line is configured to tear the membrane into elongated shapes that are less likely to be accidentally swallowed by children, while still maintaining the required dispensing opening size of 20-38 mm for adequate product flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is segmented through frangible lines that create multiple small strips rather than one large disk. This segmentation breaks down the removable membrane into smaller, less hazardous pieces that reduce choking risk while preserving the dispensing function through the created opening.
4Reliability
If conventional removable membrane fitments are used on single-service youth beverage packaging, then the tamper evidencing function is improved, but the ease of opening and recyclability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies self-service by designing the pull ring to engage directly with the frangible membrane in a way that allows children to easily pull and open the package themselves. The frangible line and pull ring geometry are optimized so that minimal force and dexterity are required, enabling self-opening by young children without adult assistance while maintaining tamper evidence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, tamper-evident primary seal with reduced material usage, easy initial removal suitable for children, and avoids hazards associated with prior art designs, while enhancing the ease of use and recyclability of single-service youth beverage packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible line of weakness. On initial opening, a consumer grasps a 'pull ring' attached to the membrane and pulls. This action results in removal of the membrane along the line of weakness
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a membrane fitment designed and sized to be inserted into the orifice defined by a container. Retention structure on the fitment cooperates with complimentary structure on the internal wall of the container orifice to secure the fitment within the orifice such that the combination forms an excellent primary seal. Tamper evidence is offered by the normal requirement for initial membrane removal. Novel designs for the membrane, its associated pull ring, and the frangible removal structure are taught in various embodiments. The novel designs may promote facile initial removal suitable for a child. In addition, the novel designs avoid the potential hazards presented by prior art membranes.